壈 (lǎn) - Disappointed & dejected

壈Tone 3

lǎn ｜ 16 strokes ｜ radical:

俊梁

壈 · lǎn

Disappointed;

dejected;

frustrated;

describes a state of discouragement or dissatisfaction.

Disappointeddejectedfrustrated

Usage highlights

Disappointed and frustratedCareer setbacksFrustrated scholarRepeated disappointmentsFeeling dejectedObstructed progress

Synonyms

  • 坎— misfortune; obstacle
  • 滞— stagnant; blocked
  • 郁— depressed; melancholy

Antonyms

  • 达— successful; prosperous
  • 通— smooth; unobstructed
  • 顺— favorable; smooth

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • He felt deeply disappointed (壈坎).
  • She was frustrated with her career setbacks (仕途壈坷).
  • The scholar faced repeated disappointments in the imperial exams (科举壈滞).

Collocations

  • Disappointed and frustrated(壈坎)
  • Career setbacks(仕途壈坷)
  • Frustrated scholar(壈滞书生)
  • Repeated disappointments(屡遭壈滞)
  • Feeling dejected(心怀壈郁)
  • Obstructed progress(壈塞不通)

Idioms

  • Full of frustrations and setbacks(坎壈多舛)
  • Disappointed and impoverished(壈穷失意)
  • Frustrated throughout life(终身壈滞)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Often used in classical Chinese literature to describe scholars' frustrations with imperial examinations or official careers.
  • Appears in historical texts describing the disappointments and setbacks faced by intellectuals.
  • Reflects the traditional Chinese cultural emphasis on scholarly achievement and the pain of failure.

FAQ